Kazakh Traditions

A Legacy of Celebration and Custom

Kazakh traditions are a blend of ancient nomadic practices, spiritual beliefs, and the wisdom of ancestors. These traditions have been passed down through the generations and continue to play a significant role in the lives of Kazakhs today.

Hospitality – The Sacred Duty of the Kazakhs

Hospitality is not just a custom but a deeply ingrained value in Kazakh society. The konakasy (guest ritual) is one of the most cherished traditions. Guests are always welcomed with open arms, and it is the host’s duty to provide food, shelter, and kindness, even to strangers.

Imagine arriving at a Kazakh home after a long journey across the steppe. You would be offered baursaks (fried dough), kymyz (fermented mare’s milk), and perhaps even a feast of beshbarmak (the national dish made of boiled meat and noodles). This generosity reflects the nomadic understanding that life on the steppe is harsh, and survival often depends on the kindness of others.

The Rite of Passage –

At birth, a child is celebrated with the shildehana, a ceremony to protect the newborn from evil spirits.

Finally, at the end of life, Kazakh funerals include the zhol-zhyom (farewell ritual), ensuring that the deceased is properly honored and sent to the afterlife with dignity.

Birth, Marriage, and Death

Kazakh life is marked by important rites of passage, each one rich in tradition. From the moment of birth, Kazakh customs guide individuals through every stage of life.

Later in life, marriage is a grand affair, with intricate rituals such as the kyz uzatu (bride’s farewell) and betashar (the unveiling of the bride’s face).

This song is often used during modern kyz uzatu.

Kazakh Festivals – A Time for Unity and Joy

Festivals are the heart of Kazakh community life, where traditions come alive in celebration. The most important festival is Nauryz, the Kazakh New Year, celebrated on March 21st, marking the spring equinox.

During Nauryz, families come together to share nauryz kozhe (a special dish made of seven ingredients symbolizing abundance), clean their homes, and give thanks for the new year’s blessings. The festival includes music, games, and dances that bring the community closer.

Another important tradition is the Tusau Kesu, a ceremony celebrating a child’s first steps. Relatives gather to bless the child, cutting the ropes that have symbolically bound their feet, encouraging them to walk freely into the future.

KZ-POD-March-24-Alamy-1024x683 — Tussah Kesu

Nauryz – The New Year Celebration

Nauryz is the most anticipated festival in Kazakhstan, a time to celebrate renewal, life, and prosperity. Marking the spring equinox, this festival has deep roots in Central Asian culture, and for Kazakhs, it symbolizes the beginning of a new year.

Nauryz-in-Kazakhstan-1609589395545 — Nauryz in Kazakhstan

During Nauryz, families prepare traditional dishes, most notably nauryz kozhe, a soup made from seven ingredients symbolizing different aspects of life such as health, wealth, and happiness. The streets fill with people singing traditional songs, performing dances, and engaging in games like kokpar (a horseback game). Nauryz is more than a festival—it’s a time of healing, forgiveness, and unity.

Eid al-Adha – A Spiritual Tradition

sacrifice-sheep — Kurban Ait in Kazakhstan

Islam is an integral part of Kazakh culture, and one of the most significant religious festivals is Eid al-Adha, also known as Kurban Ait in Kazakhstan. This festival commemorates the willingness of Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God. In modern Kazakhstan, it’s a time for families to come together, share meals, and distribute food to the less fortunate.